The Successor (Tales of Pern Coen) by Hannah E. Carey
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A loyal warrior of the Ri of Ceffyl, Torin has no choice but to do the Ri's bidding when he's sent to hunt down a powerful healer. His task, however, is fraught with peril, as the healer he is forced to seek out is rumored to have been cursed by one of the Dark Spirits of the island of Pern Coen.
After a heart wrenching betrayal by the man she trusted the most, Briallen has been forced to carve out a lonely existence on the rugged coast. When a warrior comes to her door claiming to be sent by the man who betrayed her and demanding her return to Castle Afon, she refuses. But when that same warrior is attacked by a monster from the deep, she feels duty bound to help him with her gift of healing.
Thrown together in unexpected and unlikely circumstances, Torin and Briallen find themselves drawn to one another in ways they never imagined. But as their feelings for one another grow, the dark threats against the people of Ceffyl increase and Briallen discovers that she just might have the power to put an end to them. If there is to be any hope for the clan, Torin will have to determine where his loyalties lie and Briallen will have to decide if she can trust a man sent by her enemy.
While this can be read as a stand-alone, it is chronologically the third book in the Tales of Pern Coen, taking place after the events of The Huntress.
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His approaching footsteps must have alerted her to his presence because she dropped the net, whirling around to face him. Her green eyes narrowed as she gripped the hilt of a dagger hanging from her belt. He held up a hand. “I don’t mean you any harm.” Her face tightened and she took a few cautious steps away from him. “Forgive me if I’m not inclined to believe you.” Torin grimaced at her sharp tone. If she was as powerful as he had heard, the last thing he needed was for her to become agitated. Something is off, though, he thought as he took in her wide eyes and watched the shallow rise and fall of her chest. The wary, skittish woman before him didn’t match what he had been told to expect. “Ri Geraint sent me to escort you back to Castle Afon,” he said, hoping the truth would perhaps quell her concerns that he was there to harm her. “He has a private matter he wishes to discuss with you.” She scoffed, raising a brow and tightening her hold on her dagger. “And if I don’t wish to return to Afon? I suppose you’re here to take me by force?” He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to take a deep breath. “No. If you do not wish to travel to Afon, I will inform Ri Geraint of your decision.” “Then be on your way,” she said, her tone flat. “I’ve given Geraint what he demanded. He has no right to expect anything more of me.” Torin sighed, rubbing his face with his hand. He wouldn’t force her back to the castle, but Geraint would not be pleased if he returned empty-handed. “Is there any way that I can convince you—” “Unless Geraint has traveled here with you to beg my forgiveness, no.” He resisted the urge to remark that perhaps she needed to be the one asking for forgiveness, considering that she was the one who had made an attempt on Geraint’s life, but he reminded himself not to provoke her. With her gifting, she could kill him with a single touch. And Spirits know what other powers she possesses while under Pysgod’s influence. “Very well then,” he said, turning on his heel and trudging back up the beach. He had almost reached the rocks leading back up to the path, trying to think of a way to explain her absence to Geraint, when movement in the water caught his attention. He stopped just in time to see a massive black hump surface from the water before disappearing again. The cold wind blew even harder and the gulls had gone silent, but the shiver that ran down his spine wasn’t from the chill in the air. His chest tightened at the sight of Briallen fighting with her net, not even paying attention to the water.
5 out of 5 (exceptional)
THE SUCCESSOR is a standalone book in the Tales of Pern Coen series and, next to Wraidd Elfennol, Pern Coen is my favourite island to be on.
We leave the Wolf Clan and move to Ceffyl, the Horse Spirit's home. The villagers are suffering and Geraint isn't at all concerned. He sends his distant cousin, Torin, off to find his ex-wife, Briallen. She has something Geraint wants, and he isn't prepared to accept no as an answer.
I loved this story! Torin and Briallen are perfect together, the warrior and the healer. Their relationship takes time to build and it is all the stronger for it. Cleena, Geraint's current wife, could have just been a simpering fool but, instead, she comes into her own, using her own mind and not just accepting what she is being told. Siarl and Gwyn are the best friends and Maldwyn is the mother figure. And we can't forget the kids, Hywel, Aneirin, and Deidre. All of these characters simply MAKE this book.
I will admit, I wanted Briallen and Torin to have their cottage by the sea but, I'm hoping, they will still have it as a romantic getaway! LOL The ending was absolutely perfect for the story. It certainly made my eyes leak.
Another jewel in the crown of Pern Coen and HIGHLY recommended by me.
* same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Hannah began telling stories from a young age and hasn't stopped since. She read her first romance novel as a young teen, quickly falling in love with the genre. She writes romantic fantasy with fierce heroines inspired by her love of mythology and contemporary romance starring loveable four-legged companions & couples looking for love. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her reading romance novels and spending time with her husband, horses, and dog on her small hobby farm.
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